Summer Reading Programs 2012

Summer vacation begins in just over four weeks, and with all the craziness in school right now, it can't come soon enough for me. I can already visualize that first week of summer vacation -- I'm going to let myself the kids sleep in for as long as I they want, and stay in pajamas the whole morning. Hair brushing will be optional! Everyone gets unlimited screen time (TV/videogames/computer), and I won't nag anyone to practice piano or flute.

Like I said, just one week of this is allowed, then it's time to act like intelligent human beings again and stick to some kind of routine. The hair has to be brushed, the beds have to get made, their screen time goes back to 1 hour per day (okay, maybe 2 in the summer), and they have to earn it by reading books.

Fortunately, my kids don't need to be forced to read, but every summer the kids like joining the summer reading program at our local children's library. They offer free books and a free personal Round Table Pizza when a child turns in his completed summer reading list. If your local library doesn't offer one, don't despair. Here's a list of stores and websites that offer free summer reading programs to keep your child reading all through the summer (and beyond!):

American Girl Read-a-Palooza -- Their summer reading website offers tips for starting a summer book club, downloads and activities. In addition, American Girl will donate $1 to Save the Children's US Literacy Program for each book purchased on their site.

Scholastic Summer Challenge -- log your reading minutes for the chance to win prizes, and to help set a world record for summer reading.

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About Me

Bonggamom is a a work-at-home parent to a daughter and twin sons. She is balances freelance writing, social media management, and parenting, constantly looking for new ways to entertain her kids while doing as little housework as possible.